Euphorbiaceae
Coral cactus: Low Water Needs
Euphorbia lactea 'Cristata'
Place in bright, indirect light and water only when the soil has completely dried out. Handle with care using gloves to avoid contact with the irritating milky sap.
Every 14 days
Bright indirect
15° - 32°C
30% - 50%
Categories
What is Coral cactus?
Coral cactus (Euphorbia lactea 'Cristata') is a medium-care plant from the Euphorbiaceae family. The Coral Cactus is not actually a cactus, but a fascinating graft of two different Euphorbia species. It features a crinkled, fan-shaped crest of Euphorbia lactea 'Cristata' attached to the upright stem of another succulent, usually Euphorbia neriifolia. The crest can display various colors ranging...
Coral cactus grows up to 90cm, with spread of 45cm, watering every 14 days, 15°C â 32°C, 30â50% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Care Guide
How to Water
Water sparingly. Soak the soil thoroughly and then allow it to dry out completely. In winter, reduce watering to once a month or less.
Lighting
Provide very bright, indirect light. While it can handle some direct morning sun, harsh afternoon sun may scorch the delicate crest.
Ideal Soil
Use a specialized cactus and succulent gritty mix. Adding extra pumice or perlite will ensure the rapid drainage this plant requires.
Recommended Pot
A terracotta or unglazed ceramic pot is ideal to help moisture evaporate and prevent root rot.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 30 days
Rotate
Every 14 days
Repot
Every 730 days
About Coral cactus
The Coral Cactus is not actually a cactus, but a fascinating graft of two different Euphorbia species. It features a crinkled, fan-shaped crest of Euphorbia lactea 'Cristata' attached to the upright stem of another succulent, usually Euphorbia neriifolia. The crest can display various colors ranging from green and silver to pink or purple edges. Like other Euphorbias, it contains a toxic, milky white sap (latex) that can irritate the skin and eyes.
How to Propagate
Grafting
- Wear gloves and eye protection to avoid sap
- Keep the graft dry until it has fully fused
- 1 Prepare Rootstock
Cut the top off a healthy Euphorbia neriifolia or similar upright succulent.
- 2 Prepare Scion
Cut a section of the crested Euphorbia lactea to match the diameter of the rootstock.
- 3 Join and Secure
Press the two cut surfaces together, ensuring the vascular cambiums align, and secure tightly with rubber bands or grafting tape.
Materials needed:
Characteristics
Max height
90cm
Spread
45cm
Growth rate
Slow
Foliage
Evergreen
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Meaning & Symbolism
Represents resilience, uniqueness, and the beauty of unconventional forms.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flamingo Flower | Medium | Partial shade | 5d | â ïļ |
| Prayer Plant | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | â |
| Mandevilla | Medium | Bright indirect | 7d | â ïļ |
| Boston Fern | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | â |
